By Bonface Mulyungi
ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga has firmly ruled out any political alliance with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ahead of the 2027 general election.
Oburu said the Orange party will instead pursue partnerships with like-minded political formations built on equality and mutual respect.
Speaking during an ODM mega rally at Kirembe Grounds in Kisumu on Sunday, Oburu said he would not lead ODM supporters into an alliance with Gachagua, signaling the party’s preferred direction as political realignments gather pace ahead of the next election.
Instead, he said ODM would engage parties it shares common interests with, beginning with those it is currently working with in government.
Oburu stressed that any future coalition arrangement must treat ODM as an equal partner and not a subordinate political outfit.
The ODM leader made the remarks as he rallied thousands of supporters to remain united behind the party, declaring that it is already preparing for a major push to capture power in the 2027 General Election.
He described the Luo community as the backbone of ODM and urged supporters not to abandon the party despite the shifting political landscape.
“They are the pillar of ODM, and I’m telling them to remain the pillar of the ODM party. We are aiming for power in 2027, and we are going to make sure we defeat them,” said Oburu.
The veteran politician also cautioned against attempts to divide the Luo community, saying unity has been central to the region’s political influence and bargaining power over the years.
According to Oburu, political success can only be achieved when the community speaks with one voice and remains focused on common goals.
He praised the large turnout at the Kisumu rally, describing it as evidence of ODM’s enduring strength in its traditional support base.
His remarks come at a time when political parties are positioning themselves for the 2027 General Election, with coalition negotiations and succession politics increasingly dominating the national conversation.
The rally served as a platform for ODM to signal its political intentions, reinforce party unity and demonstrate that it intends to remain a major force in the battle for power in 2027.
ODM has also reaffirmed its commitment to the broad-based government arrangement while calling for urgent action on school safety, compensation of post-election violence victims, and a parliamentary inquiry into internationally funded public health programmes.
In the resolutions, the party declared that the people of the Nyanza region remain united and that any present or future political engagement would be pursued through ODM.
ODM leaders also reaffirmed their loyalty to the party leadership under Oburu and pledged support for resolutions passed by the party’s organs, including the National Delegates Convention, National Executive Committee, and Central Committee.
The party further endorsed its leadership structure, including deputy party leaders Simba Arati and Ahmed Abdullahi Mohamed, as well as Chairperson Gladys Wanga.
On national politics, ODM reiterated its commitment to remaining in the broad-based government and building partnerships aimed at capturing power in future elections.
“We reaffirm our commitment to staying in the broad-based government now and in the future and building partnerships to capture power,” the party stated in its resolutions.
The party also called for the full implementation of the 10-point agenda agreed upon under the cooperation framework, particularly the compensation of victims of past post-election violence.
ODM used the occasion to pay tribute to Raila Odinga, describing him as a political icon whose vision on social democracy, devolution, the rule of law, and strengthening county governments continues to guide the party.
The party also acknowledged the economic hardships facing Kenyans, especially the rising fuel crisis, and expressed hope that government interventions would cushion citizens as global tensions, particularly in the Middle East, continue to affect fuel prices.
